Local chemist changes hands

The nine pharmacies in Scotland trading as Gordons Chemist, including in Oban, Helensburgh and Alexandria, will change to the M&D Green brand, and continue employing the existing staff.

Martin Green, managing director of the M&D Green Group, said: "We look forward to introducing the 100 staff at Gordons into the 650 strong workforce at M&D Green.

"The multi-million pound deal will bring the number of community pharmacies in the group to 42, employing 750 highly skilled staff.

"Gordons Chemist, which is a perfect fit for the M&D Green Group, has a well established reputation of providing high quality, professional healthcare to the patients and communities where their pharmacies are located, and we will continue this good work and build upon the range of services offered and extend access to more patients."

A community pharmacy in Scotland is a local healthcare provider that offers essential pharmaceutical services, including dispensing prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, and health advice.

They are part of the NHS Scotland network and offer free services such as the Pharmacy First scheme, which allows patients to receive treatment for common conditions without needing a GP appointment. 

Community pharmacies also provide medication reviews, emergency contraception, and smoking cessation support, ensuring accessible healthcare for people in their local communities.

Mr Green added: "We continue to develop our NHS and private, clinical services including additional services like blood testing, travel clinics and hearing care. We will also continue to introduce technology to make ordering and accessing prescribed medication easier and more convenient for patients.

"The Gordons Chemist brand will continue its strong presence in Northern Ireland."